Glencoe

Founding and Early History

The history of Glencoe is rooted in the period when the lands along Lake Michigan were inhabited by the Potawatomi indigenous people. The first European settler in the area is considered to be Anson Taylor, who arrived in 1835 and built a home that also served as a general store and tavern for travelers on the Green Bay Trail.

The village was officially incorporated in 1869. The settlement was named for its picturesque landscape: the local wooded ravines and hills reminded early residents of the famous Glen Coe valley in Scotland.

Key Factors in its Formation

Glencoe's evolution from a farming settlement into a prestigious suburb was driven by a combination of infrastructure and natural advantages:

• The Railroad: A turning point was the construction of the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad in 1855. The establishment of a station provided a regular connection to Chicago, attracting the first wealthy residents.
• Unique Geography: Its location on the high bluffs of Lake Michigan and the complex terrain with deep ravines made the area unsuitable for large-scale industry but ideal for secluded estates.
• Distinctive Planning: Unlike the standard rectangular street grid common in the U.S., Glencoe was developed according to a plan that respected the natural curves of the landscape—an innovative approach for the time.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

During its first decades, Glencoe's economy transitioned from agriculture to servicing elite residential real estate. The village quickly earned a reputation as a place for the Chicago intelligentsia and business elite to live and retreat.

The cultural environment of early Glencoe was shaped around the "garden city" concept. Residents paid great attention to preserving parks and the architectural appearance of buildings. Even in this early period, homes designed by famous architects began to appear, laying the foundation for the village's rich architectural heritage, including the future works of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Chronology of Glencoe’s Development

• 1835 — Anson Taylor builds the first log cabin and general store in what would become the village, becoming the first non-indigenous settler.
• 1855 — The railroad connecting Chicago and Milwaukee is laid through the settlement, stimulating an influx of new residents.
• 1869 — Glencoe is officially incorporated as a village and forms its own local government.
• 1905 — Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designs the W.A. Glasner House, marking the beginning of the creation of a significant architectural legacy in the village.
• 1915 — Frank Lloyd Wright implements a large-scale development project in the Ravine Bluffs district. As part of this project, the famous concrete bridge on Sylvan Road is built—the only bridge designed by the great architect.
• 1921 — The Glencoe Golf Club is founded, becoming one of the first public golf courses in the region.
• 1965 — Work begins on the creation of the Chicago Botanic Garden within the Cook County Forest Preserves in Glencoe.
• 1972 — The Chicago Botanic Garden officially opens to visitors, quickly becoming one of the state's top attractions.
• 1992 — Writers Theatre is founded in the small space of a bookstore, eventually gaining national acclaim.
• 2016 — The new modern building of the Writers Theatre, designed by the renowned architectural firm Studio Gang, opens its doors.

Key Milestones in the Village's Development

The development of Glencoe is a story of a small settlement transforming into one of the most prestigious suburbs on Chicago's "North Shore." The primary stages of its growth are linked to infrastructure projects and cultural initiatives that defined the village's unique character.

• Arrival of the Railroad (1855)
  The laying of the railroad was the main economic driver of the 19th century. It turned an isolated farming community into an accessible suburb for the Chicago elite, allowing businessmen to live in a picturesque area while commuting daily to the metropolis.
• The Ravine Bluffs Architectural Project (1915)
  Large-scale development under the direction of Frank Lloyd Wright did more than just add housing; it set a high aesthetic standard. This cemented Glencoe's status as a center for progressive architecture and attracted enthusiasts of art and modernism.
• "City in a Park" Master Plan (1920s)
  The adoption of strict zoning and urban planning rules allowed for the preservation of the unique system of ravines and woodlands. Favoring park zones over dense industrial development established high property values and the area's ecological appeal.
• Opening of the Chicago Botanic Garden (1972)
  The creation of one of the largest botanical gardens in the U.S. on Glencoe's southern border fundamentally changed the village's tourism potential. The site became a magnet for millions of visitors, stimulating the local service sector and strengthening the image of a "green" city.
• Construction of the New Writers Theatre Center (2016)
  The opening of the modern theater building, designed by Studio Gang, was a major 21st-century cultural event for the region. The theater became an architectural landmark in the town center, boosting business for local restaurants and shops by attracting theatergoers.

Architectural Evolution: From Estates to Modernism

Glencoe's architectural character is unique within the Chicago area. Unlike many suburbs filled with cookie-cutter homes, this village became a canvas for experimentation by leading American architects. The urban fabric was shaped in harmony with the complex topography, where winding streets follow the contours of the ravines and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Key Styles and Historical Eras

Glencoe’s development vividly demonstrates the transition from traditional forms to bold modernism, reflecting the tastes of the American elite across different decades.

• Victorian Eclecticism and Queen Anne (Late 19th Century)
  This represents the early period of the village's growth. It is characterized by large estates with asymmetrical facades, turrets, and expansive porches. These homes were built as summer residences for wealthy Chicagoans seeking suburban comfort.
• Prairie School (Early 20th Century)
  The most significant period in Glencoe's architectural history. This style, popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, is distinguished by horizontal lines, flat roofs with wide overhanging eaves, and the integration of the building into the natural landscape. Glencoe boasts one of the highest concentrations of Prairie School buildings in Illinois.
• American Modernism and International Style (Mid-20th Century)
  In the post-war years, Mid-Century Modern homes were actively built here. This movement is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans, the use of steel and concrete, and the blurring of boundaries between the interior and the garden.
• Contemporary Architecture (21st Century)
  The latest projects focus on sustainability, the use of natural materials (wood, stone), and the creation of public spaces that encourage social interaction.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Several sites in Glencoe hold not only local but national architectural significance:

• Ravine Bluffs District (Frank Lloyd Wright)
  A unique residential neighborhood designed by Wright in 1915. The complex includes several private homes and the famous entrance markers. It is a rare example of a completed comprehensive development plan by the great architect.
• North Shore Congregation Israel (Minoru Yamasaki)
  A masterpiece of New Formalism built in 1964 by the architect who later designed the Twin Towers in New York. The building is known for its soaring, fan-like vaults—reminiscent of Gothic arches in a modern interpretation—and its location right on the lakefront.
• Writers Theatre (Studio Gang)
  Opened in 2016, this building has become an icon of contemporary architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the timber-lattice structure encircling the glass facade. The project symbolizes the openness of art to the city and evokes theatrical traditions dating back to the Globe Theatre, but with a futuristic execution.

Notable Residents and Natives

As a prestigious and secluded suburb of Chicago, Glencoe has historically attracted the intellectual and creative elite. Many prominent figures in art, law, and politics have lived here or spent their early years in the village, which is reflected in their biographies.

• Archibald MacLeish
  Poet, Playwright, Librarian of Congress
  One of the most significant American men of letters of the 20th century and a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He held important government positions in Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. The writer spent his childhood on his family's estate in Glencoe, the nature of which inspired his early poetry.
• Harold Ramis
  Director, Screenwriter, Actor
  A cult figure in cinema and the creator of comedy masterpieces such as "Groundhog Day" and "Ghostbusters." Ramis lived in Glencoe from 1996 until the end of his life, valuing the village for its tranquility and distance from the Hollywood bustle.
• Gene Siskel
  Film Critic, Journalist
  The lead film critic for the Chicago Tribune, who became a national authority through his television partnership with Roger Ebert. He resided in Glencoe, where he was known as an active member of the local community.
• Bruce Dern
  Stage and Screen Actor
  A two-time Academy Award nominee known for his roles in everything from 1970s Westerns to Quentin Tarantino films. He grew up in Glencoe in a prominent aristocratic family (his grandfather was the U.S. Secretary of War).
• Newton Minow
  Attorney, Statesman
  Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Kennedy. He made history with a speech in which he famously called television a "vast wasteland," calling for higher broadcasting standards. He was a long-time Glencoe resident.
• Scott Turow
  Author, Attorney
  A master of the legal thriller and author of the bestseller "Presumed Innocent." Turow lived in Glencoe for a significant part of his life, balancing his writing career with his legal practice in Chicago.
• Lili Taylor
  Actress
  A star of independent film ("Arizona Dream," "I Shot Andy Warhol") and television. She was born and raised in Glencoe and graduated from the local New Trier High School, which is renowned for its performing arts program.
• Fred Savage
  Actor, Director, Producer
  Gained worldwide fame as a child, playing the lead role in the series "The Wonder Years." The Savage family lived in Glencoe during his formative years as an actor; his brother, actor Ben Savage, also grew up here.